Dwight Howard is really the only Free Agent that matters for us

[NBASupes]

It's this simple. I did all the scenarios, broke down the stats and other options. He is simply the piece that means a lot.

I looked at CP3. If we can't land Dwight, we would still need a good true center and defensive minded SF who has some range. The problem is, this FA class has nothing but expensive centers who are good and after that, you get below average centers like Samuel Dalembert or injury bugs like Oden. Not of that is enticing enough to convince CP3 to leave the Clippers which aren't a title team can offer him more money and just as much of a chance to win as Atlanta.

No one else in the Free Agent market makes us any better as a team combined than when we had Joe, Jamal, Josh, and Al.

Landing Dwight is attractive because we can offer two things.

We can offer him a chance to play with Horford, Lou and Korver. Also team up with CP3 to build a superteam.

We can offer him a chance to build a team like Teague, Monta, Iggy, Horford, and Dwight which is really adding the talent to the Hawks and giving Dwight a real chance to compete for a title and contend with Miami.

We land him, we have different options. We don't, it's unlikely CP3 will leave LAC then.

After that, Atlanta needs to look at trading our players for 1 year deals and trading for guys who suck on one year deals and buying out their deal so we can tank. SnT Teague, Korver, and Smoove. Get rid of all vets outside of Horf.

1. Howard and CP3

2. Howard and key FA's like Iggy and Monta

3. Tank

There is no other logical option. Everything else leads to nothing.

Edited May 18, 2013 by Leadership

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

Agree, agree, agree. Dwight IS the only FA that matters in this free agency. We don't need Paul. We NEED Dwight. Teague is a good PG and we already have two SG under contract. I wouldn't mind Iggy cause he is the best perimeter defender in the league and can play both 2 and 3. I don't really care about Paul because he is going to be WAY too expensive especially if we have Dwight already signed. Give me Dwight and a head coach with fire and smarts and I'll be one happy camper!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NBASupes]

Agree, agree, agree. Dwight IS the only FA that matters in this free agency. We don't need Paul. We NEED Dwight. Teague is a good PG and we already have two SG under contract. I wouldn't mind Iggy cause he is the best perimeter defender in the league and can play both 2 and 3. I don't really care about Paul because he is going to be WAY too expensive especially if we have Dwight already signed. Give me Dwight and a head coach with fire and smarts and I'll be one happy camper!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I am not sold on Teague. Average NBA level PG. No real playmaking ability. Average metrics and advanced stats. Average everything in terms of stats. I personally look at him as a SG playing PG who is vastly undersized who has very good athletic ability and has good NBA level talent.

CP3 is clearly the quintessential PG for any generation for NBA PG's.

My thread is basically saying, the only way we can convince CP3 to leave the Clippers for the Hawks is via Dwight Howard. While we can convince Dwight to come with or without CP3 just because of the finances and players available in free agency.

[TheFuzz]

I am not sold on Teague. Average NBA level PG. No real playmaking ability. Average metrics and advanced stats. Average everything in terms of stats. I personally look at him as a SG playing PG who is vastly undersized who has very good athletic ability and has good NBA level talent.

CP3 is clearly the quintessential PG for any generation for NBA PG's.

My thread is basically saying, the only way we can convince CP3 to leave the Clippers for the Hawks is via Dwight Howard. While we can convince Dwight to come with or without CP3 just because of the finances and players available in free agency.

I agree that Dwight would convince CP3 to come over, but I think if Dwight doesn't come over there is a SMALL chance we can work out a trade for someone to lure CP3. But sure, I agree with your general principle, though the idea of having Ellis, Iggy and Dwight in the same lineup makes me vomit in the back of my mouth a little bit.

[NBASupes]

I agree that Dwight would convince CP3 to come over, but I think if Dwight doesn't come over there is a SMALL chance we can work out a trade for someone to lure CP3. But sure, I agree with your general principle, though the idea of having Ellis, Iggy and Dwight in the same lineup makes me vomit in the back of my mouth a little bit.

I don't see it. The Clippers would have enough money for a near max contract. They could just sign key pieces to play around Griffin and Bledsoe.

The only way to convince CP3 to come without Dwight is to prove that your team will be better than LAC. I do not think we can do that. We can talk about Horford fit all day but Griffin is younger and CP3 can get more money from LAC. Like it or not. Atlanta success is depended on Dwight.

[MaceCase]

I think that there is a very good reason why most articles you read mostly mention Dwight rather than Paul and we are publicly been talking to SVG rather than Byron Scott. That and given that Dwight didn't mesh at all with Nash I question how well he would with Paul. Don't get me wrong, I'll definitely not scoff at him being signed but if we turn away with just Dwight then that is all too fine with me because Orlando demonstrated that you can do just fine with stopgaps at PG with him in tow.

Failing in that you stay flexible. The team doesn't need to necessarily tank given that we still have a great trade chip in Al but they need to go the talent acquisition route like Houston and Indiana did where you cultivate and acquire picks and only sign free agents whose value far exceeds their contract amount (Asik for on the court, Lin for off the court. Both ~8 mil cap hit). This offseason cannot end with a maxed out treadmill of overpriced 30 year olds being the result.

[NBASupes]

I think that there is a very good reason why most articles you read mostly mention Dwight rather than Paul and we are publicly been talking to SVG rather than Byron Scott. That and given that Dwight didn't mesh at all with Nash I question how well he would with Paul. Don't get me wrong, I'll definitely not scoff at him being signed but if we turn away with just Dwight then that is all too fine with me because Orlando demonstrated that you can do just fine with stopgaps at PG with him in tow.

Failing in that you stay flexible. The team doesn't need to necessarily tank given that we still have a great trade chip in Al but they need to go the talent acquisition route like Houston and Indiana did where you cultivate and acquire picks and only sign free agents whose value far exceeds their contract amount (Asik for on the court, Lin for off the court. Both ~8 mil cap hit). This offseason cannot end with a maxed out treadmill of overpriced 30 year olds being the result.

CP3 is a half court specialist while Nash is an uptempo specialist. Even with that said, there was a lot of issues with LA's offense. No shooters. No movement. Heavy iso. No real entry passes. It is not a surprise that a lot of Dwight's points came from Gasol and not anyone else. The team was trying to build around Kobe. They then moved to Dwight but Dwight was a turnover machine with no shooters. Nash was a liablity and became a spot up shooter. LA had a lot of issues. Poor fits all over the court. Kobe. No spacing or movement. It looked like the Hawks with an aging Bibby but no one really fit and only Nash could shoot. Not to mention injuries and a lack of depth. Defense is another story altogether.

CP3 would fit Dwight with ease since they are similar styled players. Excel at the same tempo and both have very high BBIQ. Of course who you put around them matters a lot.

The biggest thing you do not want to do is trade Horford. You want to give the next guy we draft in 2014 a chance to play with him. Everyone else with the exception of the 2nd year guys and the rooks are probably on the way out. Trading for Asik would be a mistake without Dwight or Lin. You would place the team in Dallas and Philly Territory. Too good to suck, too sorry to be good. That is a terrible place in Baskeball. Guys I like are Kris H and draft picks. A scrub on a huge contract and draft picks. Look for a cap worried team and take their scraps for picks like Cleveland did to LAC.

[Admin]

I don't see it. The Clippers would have enough money for a near max contract. They could just sign key pieces to play around Griffin and Bledsoe.

The only way to convince CP3 to come without Dwight is to prove that your team will be better than LAC. I do not think we can do that. We can talk about Horford fit all day but Griffin is younger and CP3 can get more money from LAC. Like it or not. Atlanta success is depended on Dwight.

You're not factoring in that Paul is from the southeast and there are multiple reports that he doesn't really like being on the west coast. Plus he's playing for an owner who is even more notoriously cheap than the ASG and playing for a franchise with more of a losing reputation than ours. He also wanted to play for Atlanta coming into the league and I doubt that has changed. I'm sure it won't hurt if we land Dwight and it might actually help to get Paul, but I don't think losing out on Dwight puts a nail in the coffin on getting Paul if we want him.

[Guest]

Personally I want cp3 more than Dwight. I know I'm probably in the minority on this. I just feel that everybody and their moms want to play with cp3 and it would lure free agents to us for many years. Not so sure players feel the same about Dwight. Also cp3 is a facilitator point guard which might be the reason why players like playing with him.

[Guest]

No thank you to Monta - Mark Jackson said getting rid of him was about changing the culture of his team, DF is trying to do the same.

[NBASupes]

You're not factoring in that Paul is from the southeast and there are multiple reports that he doesn't really like being on the west coast. Plus he's playing for an owner who is even more notoriously cheap than the ASG and playing for a franchise with more of a losing reputation than ours. He also wanted to play for Atlanta coming into the league and I doubt that has changed. I'm sure it won't hurt if we land Dwight and it might actually help to get Paul, but I don't think losing out on Dwight puts a nail in the coffin on getting Paul if we want him.

At the end of the day, it's about rings. CP3 isn't going to win one in LA but can he in Atlanta. It will be tough to convince him without Dwight. Extremely tough. Horford can be the perfect fit but is that enough to beat Miami?

[JTB]

I agree and disagree. I believe ferry should make both top targets. Also let me add that I don't believe cp3 is in love with the clippers and Blake griffins age has nothing to do with Paul's decision it's all about winning right now with Paul.... With that said I think it's easier to get Paul than Dwight! I said it before the clippers have contracts locked up for the next 3 or 4 years Paul would have to hope Griffen becomes a actual superstar, a real robin type player. Where as in Dwight's situation the lakers will have plenty of cap room after next season and there are stars in the free agency in the near future like Kevin love or even Durant that may go to LA and team up with Dwight I get where your coming from which is to go for Howard then convince Paul but I think it should be done the other way around. I really don't think Paul is happy about the clippers, they were exposed in the playoffs and Blake and d Jordan were pathetic.But the real goal is to get both is all I'm saying. As long as they visit ATL at the same time or near the same time that's all I'm caring about. I just want to see them consider the ATL and come visit, it's a wrap from there.

[JTB]

At the end of the day, it's about rings. CP3 isn't going to win one in LA but can he in Atlanta. It will be tough to convince him without Dwight. Extremely tough. Horford can be the perfect fit but is that enough to beat Miami?

Your right but don't you see Howard being able to win a ring in LA? .....I mean I think it's easier to pry Paul away looking at his situation and his team than to pry Howard away....Howard actually has a shot of getting a championship in LA. Paul doesn't!We should go after both but if we have to choose one go after Paul then Howard. Paul isn't in a great position like many think. He's about winning and that franchise will have to do alot to get better fitting pieces around him.

[coachx]

I don't get this thread. Howard was a shell of his former self this season.

[MaceCase]

I don't get this thread. Howard was a shell of his former self this season.

Well, he didn't get to take a season long vacation like Derrick Rose did after his surgery so of course we were bound to see a lot of rust.

[JTB]

I don't get this thread. Howard was a shell of his former self this season.

If you haven't noticed "leadership" is a huge fan of Howard. Many other hawk fans see flaws of D Howard and some don't want him here.But I respect "leaderships" passion for a player he likes so much. I would like Howard here too but I would like a playmaker like Paul here just as much.So in this thread I'm not sure if its Leaderships love for Howard speaking or just real facts and I mean that by no disrespect.So again if we had to pick one to go after it should be Paul first. Paul has no real chance to win in LA and Howard does. And based off Paul's latest interviews he knows his clippers team isn't that great. Paul wants to be in a win now situation, not waiting on Griffen to step it up. Edited May 18, 2013 by JTB

[NBASupes]

Your right but don't you see Howard being able to win a ring in LA? .....I mean I think it's easier to pry Paul away looking at his situation and his team than to pry Howard away....Howard actually has a shot of getting a championship in LA. Paul doesn't!We should go after both but if we have to choose one go after Paul then Howard. Paul isn't in a great position like many think. He's about winning and that franchise will have to do alot to get better fitting pieces around him.

Dwight has no shot of winning a ring in LA. They are built for mediocrity and the FA class of 2014 which people are hyping up will likely reup with their teams. There comes a time when every team has to blow it up. The time is now for LA. It's time to tank.

Steve Nash is 39 and doesn't fit with LA personnel. He should be traded to a team like Utah who wants to run with players like Hayward, Kanter, Milsap, and Favors.

Kobe is like the Wizards MJ at this point. He can still put up great numbers but he isn't the unstoppable force he used to be. Father time has come. I don't care about Dwight's back late year, prime Kobe was getting in the top 3-4 seeds if hurt back Dwight. This Kobe chucked them out of games numerous times.

MWP- trash

Gasol- can't move on defense. His man defense is still good but his team and help side defense is trash. He has a nice array of post moves and he can pass. He would be best suited next to someone like Noah, not Dwight.

Dwight just doesn't fit. Doesn't get a lot of touches. Doesn't get a lot of quality touches. LA can't spread the ball around. LA is limited in their mobility.

I don't think either has a shot of winning a title in LA but if one had more of a shot, it will be CP3. While there isn't a match-up that favors LAC in the playoffs, they at least have the talent. LAL doesn't have the talent, they just have names at this point. They are the Rockets with Chuck, Drexler, and Hakeem at this point.

[NBASupes]

I agree and disagree. I believe ferry should make both top targets.Also let me add that I don't believe cp3 is in love with the clippers and Blake griffins age has nothing to do with Paul's decision it's all about winning right now with Paul....With that said I think it's easier to get Paul than Dwight! I said it before the clippers have contracts locked up for the next 3 or 4 years Paul would have to hope Griffen becomes a actual superstar, a real robin type player. Where as in Dwight's situation the lakers will have plenty of cap room after next season and there are stars in the free agency in the near future like Kevin love or even Durant that may go to LA and team up with DwightI get where your coming from which is to go for Howard then convince Paul but I think it should be done the other way around. I really don't think Paul is happy about the clippers, they were exposed in the playoffs and Blake and d Jordan were pathetic.But the real goal is to get both is all I'm saying. As long as they visit ATL at the same time or near the same time that's all I'm caring about. I just want to see them consider the ATL and come visit, it's a wrap from there.

I don't see how it's easier. Both players are clearly looking. CP3 is more happy with LA than Dwight is. You have to convince CP3 you can win in Atlanta more than LA and win a title. Dwight is a bigger and easier grab.

I don't get this thread. Howard was a shell of his former self this season.

In the 2nd half of the season the Lakers played some of the best team defense overall and mainly because of Dwight.

The Lakers were number 3 in defense the last half of the year when Dwight was in the game. When the starters were in the game the last 3 weeks they had a 88 points per 100.

* After the all-star break the Lakers had a 101.2 points per 100 possession when Dwight was in the game. Which would rank number 3 in the league. When he wasn't in the game 113.5 Which would put them dead last.* The last 3 weeks of the year Howard-Gasol-World Peace-Bryant-Nash lineup allowed just 87.7 points per 100 possessionsThe best defensive lineup in basketball to finish the year.It took Mike D pretty much all year but the Lakers are built to play Memphis type basketball better than Memphis. Instead he spent most of the year trying to run and gun. Giving the Lakers the worst transition defense in the league. Since the all-star break Dwight was back at DPOY level. But people let there hate for the Lakers and the new dislike of Dwight cloud that. I'm not saying Dwight should have won DPOY. He really struggled with his movement the first half of the year. But even then he was falling from all-time great levels. He took a step down. Not jumped off a cliff.

The bashing of Dwight is really beside me. He was clearly the only reason why LA was in the race, not Kobe's attempt at hero ball.

[JTB]

Dwight has no shot of winning a ring in LA. They are built for mediocrity and the FA class of 2014 which people are hyping up will likely reup with their teams. There comes a time when every team has to blow it up. The time is now for LA. It's time to tank. Steve Nash is 39 and doesn't fit with LA personnel. He should be traded to a team like Utah who wants to run with players like Hayward, Kanter, Milsap, and Favors. Kobe is like the Wizards MJ at this point. He can still put up great numbers but he isn't the unstoppable force he used to be. Father time has come. I don't care about Dwight's back late year, prime Kobe was getting in the top 3-4 seeds if hurt back Dwight. This Kobe chucked them out of games numerous times. MWP- trash Gasol- can't move on defense. His man defense is still good but his team and help side defense is trash. He has a nice array of post moves and he can pass. He would be best suited next to someone like Noah, not Dwight. Dwight just doesn't fit. Doesn't get a lot of touches. Doesn't get a lot of quality touches. LA can't spread the ball around. LA is limited in their mobility. I don't think either has a shot of winning a title in LA but if one had more of a shot, it will be CP3. While there isn't a match-up that favors LAC in the playoffs, they at least have the talent. LAL doesn't have the talent, they just have names at this point. They are the Rockets with Chuck, Drexler, and Hakeem at this point.

Ok well what about love in 2015 or Durant in 2016. See the thing about is, is that it will be easier for Paul to turn his back on the clippers than it will be for Howard to turn his back on the lakers. An sometimes man you never know that old ass team may make some noise come next season. Also by just looking at the franchises unlike Paul, Howard knows that the lakers will do all they can to get him some support as soon as they can they have a history of getting over on teams and also having superior teams. Do you think Paul is going to get that commitment and treatment from the clippers?......he has a better shot winning a ring with this years hawks team than the clippers.I don't see Paul's decision being very hard man. If he came to the ATL by himself the hawks can put good talent around him in the same off season...that will be better or compare to what the clippers roster looks like.We need to get Paul in order to get Howard.

[JTB]

I don't see how it's easier. Both players are clearly looking. CP3 is more happy with LA than Dwight is. You have to convince CP3 you can win in Atlanta more than LA and win a title. Dwight is a bigger and easier grab. In the 2nd half of the season the Lakers played some of the best team defense overall and mainly because of Dwight. The Lakers were number 3 in defense the last half of the year when Dwight was in the game. When the starters were in the game the last 3 weeks they had a 88 points per 100. * After the all-star break the Lakers had a 101.2 points per 100 possession when Dwight was in the game. Which would rank number 3 in the league. When he wasn't in the game 113.5 Which would put them dead last.* The last 3 weeks of the year Howard-Gasol-World Peace-Bryant-Nash lineup allowed just 87.7 points per 100 possessionsThe best defensive lineup in basketball to finish the year.It took Mike D pretty much all year but the Lakers are built to play Memphis type basketball better than Memphis. Instead he spent most of the year trying to run and gun. Giving the Lakers the worst transition defense in the league. Since the all-star break Dwight was back at DPOY level. But people let there hate for the Lakers and the new dislike of Dwight cloud that. I'm not saying Dwight should have won DPOY. He really struggled with his movement the first half of the year. But even then he was falling from all-time great levels. He took a step down. Not jumped off a cliff. The bashing of Dwight is really beside me. He was clearly the only reason why LA was in the race, not Kobe's attempt at hero ball.

Nobody should worry about the bashing Dwight thing anymore we all knew he was hurt. But I still believe its easier to get Paul than Howard and just a FYI I read just yesterday that Paul is not happy in LA in fact he had expressed it more than Howard has.Paul does not like his position in LA I can guarantee it and maybe Howard doesn't either but I know Paul isn't satisfied and he's not dumb he knows about his teams cap situation.